Programme could lead to new diagnostic solutions for African swine fever

Boehringer Ingelheim demonstrates its focus on prevention and innovation yet again

(AETOS Wire)-- Boehringer Ingelheim and GNA Biosolutions announce that they have entered into a research collaboration focused on the development of a rapid African swine fever (ASF) diagnostic test. The test would be used in combination with GNA's portable molecular diagnostic platform, and is aimed at supporting the fight against the worldwide spread of this deadly disease.

ASF is a devastating viral infection of swine causing severe clinical disease and high mortality. The disease cannot be treated and currently no effective vaccines are available. ASF does not affect humans.

It is currently unclear how far ASF will spread, jeopardising many countries’ pig trade and supplies. Due to ASF outbreaks, more than 600,000 pigs were culled within the past few months in China alone.

“We are delighted to enter this collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, a global leader in animal health. This collaboration further emphasises the role of GNA Biosolutions in the rapidly developing field of extra-laboratory diagnostics and extends the application of our Pulse Controlled Amplification (PCA) technology into animal protection,” said GNA Biosolutions co-founder and Managing Director, Dr. Lars Ullerich.

“Together with GNA we are striving to develop holistic solutions for veterinarians, farmers and the food producing industry. The targeted platform will allow for faster decision making based on more comprehensive diagnostic data,” shared the Global Head of Diagnostics & Monitoring Animal Health at Boehringer Ingelheim, Rolf-Dieter Günther.

Dr. Alain Wille, Head of Global Business Unit Swine at Boehringer Ingelheim, echoed his views: “This partnership represents another example of our focus on prevention and our continuous effort to control swine diseases.”

Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

Boehringer Ingelheim Improving the health and quality of life of patients is the goal of the research-driven pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim. The focus in doing so is on diseases for which no satisfactory treatment option exists to date. The company therefore concentrates on developing innovative therapies that can extend patients’ lives. In animal health, Boehringer Ingelheim stands for advanced prevention.

Family-owned since it was established in 1885, Boehringer Ingelheim is one of the pharmaceutical industry’s top 20 companies. Some 50,000 employees create value through innovation daily for the three business areas human pharmaceuticals, animal health and biopharmaceuticals. In 2017, Boehringer Ingelheim achieved net sales of nearly 18.1 billion euros. R&D expenditure, exceeding three billion euros, corresponded to 17.0 per cent of net sales.

As a family-owned company, Boehringer Ingelheim plans in generations and focuses on long-term success, rather than short-term profit. The company therefore aims at organic growth from its own resources with simultaneous openness to partnerships and strategic alliances in research. In everything it does, Boehringer Ingelheim naturally adopts responsibility towards mankind and the environment.

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Business Unit Boehringer Ingelheim is the second largest animal health business in the world. We are committed to creating animal wellbeing through our large portfolio of advanced, preventive healthcare products and services. With net sales of 3.9 billion euros (2017) and around 10,000 employees worldwide, we are present in more than 150 markets. For more information go to https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/animal-health/overview.

Intended audiences: This press release is issued from our Corporate Headquarters in Ingelheim, Germany and is intended to provide information about our global business. Please be aware that information relating to the approval status and labels of approved products may vary from country to country, and a country-specific press release on this topic may have been issued in the countries where we do business.